Honoring Our Race Founder

Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure
Founder, Carolyn Jorgensen

While thumbing through a running magazine in 1998, breast cancer survivor Carolyn Jorgensen saw an ad for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®.  It took little time for her to contact Pro Race Group Director, Ken Takeuchi.  The Susan G. Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure® was born.  In 1999, 800 people participated in the first Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure.  The same year, the Central Valley Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® was formed.  Since the Affiliate’s inception, the Race has grown to 6990 participants and over $2.3 million has been invested in community-based projects of education, screening and treatment and nearly $600,00 has supported Komen National Breast Cancer Research programs.  In December 1999, the Central Valley Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® began.

Sadly, Carolyn passed from a cancer recurrence in 2007.  Her legacy will live on through our Affiliate and Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure.  She will always be remembered for her efforts which have made a tremendous impact on thousands of Fresno County residents.

Norm Jorgensen, husband of the late Carolyn remains dedicated in his support with the Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure.  He is the proud annual presenter of the Founder’s Award, an award given in Carolyn's memory to honor an Affiliate volunteer for their outstanding contribution to the cause and who carries Carolyn’s and Komen’s vision of a world without breast cancer into our community.